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Thursday, August 8, 2013

Remain in the Son

1 John 2:24-27

See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If
it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is
what he promised us—even eternal life. I am writing these things to you
about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him
remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing
teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not
counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

Earlier studies in the beginning segments of this chapter
taught us the primary message here is one of continuing to be steadfast and
strong in the faith. We have seen John's teaching on this where he encourages
us to love God and keep his commandments, which actually is testimony to the
world that we belong to God. Further, loving each other brings testimony that
we are walking in the light as opposed to spiritual darkness

Now,
in the above verses,
we are encouraged again to remain faithful to the gospel which we have
been taught, that divine truth which remains in us. John wants us to
know the gospel message which we cling to is what connects us to the
Son and the Father, and the promise of eternal life.

That all sounds good and wonderful, but John says he is
telling us these things because there are those in the world who are trying to
lead us away from the Lord. That
probably isn't news to you. It may come in the form of an acquaintance, someone
at work or school, or possibly someone you do not know. Satan is no dummy, and
he is active in negating the personal testimony and influence of any who would
wear the name of Jesus.

John says the anointing you received from him remains in
you. The indwelling of God's Spirit brings
to us another spiritual benefit here. He is the one who guides us in things
that are true. Therefore the concluding verse assures us the reality of the
Holy Spirit in teaching us and leading us in the right paths.

The conclusion is centered around our beginning theme,
"Continue in him." And if you
read the verse after the ones quoted above, it again drives home the same
message, "And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when
he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming."1 John 2:28